Every responsible homeowner will replace roof shingles that are damaged as soon as they notice them rather than neglect it and end up replacing them entirely which is a nightmare that is best avoided. A careful maintenance schedule that makes sure the roof is in top condition should be right at the top of list of things to do on a homeowners maintenance schedule. Annual or twice yearly inspections and maintenance is a must.

Apart, from this whenever there are strong winds, heavy rains, storms, blizzards or hurricanes you will have to make sure your roof has not been damaged in any way. If you find any signs of damage then fixing it immediately avoids water seeping through the exposed areas and finding their way into the house. Water damage can be very expensive for your home. The water rot the wood sheeting and ruin the paint job in the interiors if neglected for long. Replace roof shingles that are damaged and fix any potential problems and you can sleep at night peacefully. Neglecting this simple tasks can literally hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your roofing bill.

It is time to replace roof shingles if your roof is 20 years or older. If you find roof shingles that are badly damaged, worn, curled, cracked or broken then replace them. Assess the damage to see if it needs partial repairs or a complete overhaul of the whole roof. If it’s simple matter of replacing a few worn out shingles or nailing back shingles that have come loose in wind or lifted up due to improper nailing then you can do it yourself.

If your roof is a shallow or medium pitch roof on which you can walk comfortably without the danger of you slipping and falling, then replace roof shingles that you think are potential problem makers. There are 3 most common problems usually a homeowner will face during this inspections and which are easily fixed without involving a roofing contractor. Make sure it is warm and dry afternoon when the shingles are supple and easy to install. Don’t do this in the early mornings when there is dew or when the roof is wet and slippery.

Missing Shingles

If you find any shingle or part of shingle missing then replace the whole shingle. If you have left-over shingles from your last job then the use them else you can buy a bundle from the roofing supplies store. Get a close match if you can’t find the same shingle type as your roof. Tools you will need include hammer, pry bar, knife to cut the shingles to required size, roofing nails. Every shingles needs 4 nails. When the course above is installed the nails from that course also pass through the top edge of these shingles.

Use the pry bar to remove the first row of nails by sliding the pry bar under the shingle that is above the damaged shingle. Gently lift and free from the sealer strip. You will see the nails keeping the damaged shingle in place. Pry upwards, once the nail comes up about quarter inch press the shingle down and remove the nail. Do this with remaining 3 nails. Now, put the bar under the shingle directly above damaged one and remove second row of nails. Once all 8 nails are out, you can pull out the damaged shingle. Now, replace roof shingles in place of old, damaged ones.

Sometimes, you can’t removed nails as the shingle is brittle and cracked. Cut v-notches on the replacement shingle to fit under the nails and nail it place at 4 other places.

Curled Shingles

Due to age or constant exposure to elements the shingles curl at the corners. If you notice it, then glue it down. A caulking gun sprays a little glue under the shingle and press it down. Weigh it down for 24 hours. There is no need to replace roof shingles here.

Cracked Shingles

A cracked and torn shingle doesn’t mean you have to replace roof shingles. Apply a thick bead of roofing sealant under both sides of cracked shingles. Press the shingle down. Now, apply another bead of sealant on top and spread it around with your putty knife. Just sprinkle some colored granules found in the gutter and no one will know that you have fixed it.